Roper RT18DK User manual

m 1
Table of Contents ......... 2
(complete)
A Note to You ................ 2
Refrigerator Safety ....... 3
Parts and Features ....... 4
Before Using Your
Refrigerator.. ................. 5
Using Your
Refrigerator.. ................. 7
Caring for Your
Refrigerator.. ............... 15
Food Storage
Guide ........................... 19
Troubleshooting ......... 21
Requesting
Assistance
or Service.. .................. 22
Index ........................... 23
Warranty ..................... 24
I-800~44-ROPER
Cdl ~8with qucdo4w of commult8.
NO-FROST REFRIGERATOR-FREEZER
Part no. 218504800/4343283
MODELS RT18DK RT18EK

Table of Contents
A Note to You ............................................
2
Refrigerator Safety ................................... 3
Parts and Features ...................................
4
Before Using Your Refrigerator .............. 5
Cleaning
your refrigerator .................... 5
Plugging it in ........................................ 5
Installing it properfy .............................. 8
Leveling it .............................................
6
Using Your Refrigerator ...........................
7
Setting the controls .............................. 7
Changing the control settings ............. .8
Adjusting the refrigerator shelves.. ...... .8
Removing the meat drawer
and cover ............................................. 9
Removing the crispers and
crisper cover ........................................ 9
Using the ice cube trays.. ...................
10
Using the optional automatic
ice maker ........................................... 10
Changing the light bulb ......................
11
Understanding the sounds
you may hear .....................................
12
Saving energy .................................... 12
Reversing the door swing .................. 13
Caring for Your Refrigerator ................. 15
Cleaning your refrigerator ..................
15
Vacation and moving care ................. 17
Power interruptions ............................ 18
Food Storage Guide .............................. 19
Storing fresh food ............................... 19
Storing frozen food .............................
20
Troubleshooting .................................... 21
Requesting Assistance or Servke .......22
Index ....................................................... 23
Warranty ................................................. 24
A Note to You
Thank you for buying a Roper@ appliance.
Roper appliances give you all the functionality of name brand appliances at a value price. To
ensure you enjoy years of trouble-free operation, we developed this Use and Care Guide. It
contains valuable information about how to operate and maintain your appliance properly and
safely. Please read it carefully. Also, please complete and mail the Ownership Registration
Card provided with your appliance. This card helps us notify you about any new information
on your appliance.
Please record your model’s information.
Whenever you call to request service on
Model Number
your appliance, you need to know your
complete model number and serial number.
Serial Number
You can find this information on the model
Purchase Date
and serial number label (see diagrams on
page 4 for location of label).
Dealer Name
Please also record the purchase date of
your appliance and your dealer’s name,
Dealer Address
address, and telephone number.
Dealer Phone
Keep this book and the sales slip together in a safe place for
future reference.
2
WITH QUESTION8 OR COMMENTS

Refrigerator Safety
Your safety is important to us.
This guide contains statements under
warning symbols. Please pay special
attention to these symbols and follow any
instructions given. Here is a brief explana-
tion of the use of the symbol.
IMPORTANT SAFtXY INSTRUCTIONS
l Read all instructions before using the
l Never allow children to operate, play with,
refrigerator. or crawl inside the refrigerator.
l Chikf entrapment and suffocation are
l Never clean refrigerator parts with
not problems of the past. Junked or flammable fluids. The fumes can create a
abandoned refrigerators are still danger- fire hazard or explosion.
ous ... even if they will “just sit in the . FOR YOUR SAFETY
l
garage a few days.”
If you are getting rid of your oki refrig-
erator, do it safefy. Please read the
enclosed safety booklet from the
Association of Home Appliance Manu-
facturers. Help prevent accidents.
DO NOT STORE OR USE GASOLINE OR
OTHER FLAMMABLE VAPORS AND
LIQUIDS IN THE VICINITY OF THIS OR
ANY OTHER APPLIANCE. THE FUMES
CAN CREATE A FIRE HAZARD OR
EXPLOSION.
I
- SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS - I
Help us help you
Please:
l Install and level the refrigerator on a floor
that will hold the weight and in an area
suitable for its size and use.
l Do not install the refrigerator near an oven,
radiator, or other heat source.
l Do not use the refrigerator in an area
where the room temperature will fall below
55OF (13°C).
l Keep the refrigerator out of the weather.
l Connect the refrigerator only to the proper
kind of outlet, with the correct electrical
supply and grounding. (Refer to the
Electrical Requirements and Grounding
Instructions Sheet.)
l wt load the refrigerator with food
before it has time to get properly cold.
l Use the refrigerator only for the uses
described in this manual.
l Properly maintain the refrigerator.
l Be sure the refrigerator is not used by
anyone unable to operate it properly.

Parts and Features
Below are illustrations of your appliance with the parts and features called out. To help you
find information on specific parts or features faster, page references are included.
Model RT18DK
Freezer control
Maet drawer
(P.6)
Model RT18EK
F-
Modal and
serial
number label -
(on side wall)
(Pm2)
Slideout
wire shelves --
(P-8) I
Juice can
rack
I Door shelf
I Refrigerator
- control panel
I @-7)
\ mw
compartment
Stationary
door shelvw
can
rack
Ik -1
-1
-Door shelf
Refrlgerator
control panel
@-7)
utility
ncompartment
Stationary
door shelves
4
WITH QUESTION8 OR COMMENT8

Before Using Your
Refrigerator
It is important to prepare your refrigerator for use. This section tells you how to clean it,
connect it to a power source, install it, and level it.
Cleaning your refrigerator
Removing packaging materials
Remove tape and any inside labels (except
the model and serial number label) before
using the refrigerator.
To remove any remaining glue:
l Rub briskly with thumb to make a ball, then
remove.
OR
NOTE: Do not remove any permanent
instruction labels inside your refrigerator. Do
not remove the Tech Sheet fastened under
the refrigerator at the front.
Cleaning it before use
q
I
After removing all packaging
materials, clean your refrigera-
tor before using it, if necessary.
See cleaning instructions on
pages 15-16.
l Soak area with liquid hand-dishwashing de-
tergent before removing glue as described
above. Do not use sharp instruments,
rubbing alcohol, flammable fluids, or
abrasive cleaners. These can damage the
material. See ‘Important Safety Instruc-
tions” on page 3.
Plugging it in
Recommended Grounding Method
A 115 Volt, 60 Hz., AC only 15 or 20 ampere
fused and properly grounded electrical
supply is required. lt is recommended that a
separate circuit serving only this appliance
be provided. Use a receptacle which cannot
be turned off with a switch or pull chain. Do
not use an extension cord.
See Electrical Requirements and Ground-
ing Instructions Sheet in your Literature
Package.
3-prong grounding
type wall receptacle
Refrigerstor
power cord
grounding
Plug

Installing it properly
1. Allow I%inch (1.25 cm) air space on each
side of the refrigerator for ease of installa-
tion.
2. Allow 1 inch (2.5 cm) air space behind
and 3 inches (7.5 cm) air space ahove
the refrigerator for proper circulation.
3. If instalting the refrigerator with the hinge
side against a wall, you might want to
leave extra space so the door can he
opened wider.
4. Make sure the fbor below the refrigerator
is level and strong enough to support a
fully-loaded refrigerator.
Leveling it
Model RT18DK
Your refrigerator has 2 front leveling
screws - one on the right and one on the
left. To adjust one or both of these, follow
the directions below.
1. Open refrigerator door.
2. To raise front, turn screw clockwise.
3. To lower front, turn screw counterclock-
wise.
4. Check with level.
5. Close refrigerator door.
Model RTlSEK
Your refrigerator has 2 front leveling legs -
one on the right and one on the left. To
adjust one or both of these, follow the
directions Mow.
1. Cpen the refrigerator door.
2. Tilt refrigerator back slightly.
3. Turn leveling leg to adjust height.
4. Replace refrigerator on floor.
5. Check with level.
6. Close refrigerator door.
Right to rake;
I left to lower
Lower N
redrigenator
wer
refrigerator rigemtor
Turn leveling
legto adjuei
WITH QUESTIONS OR COYYENT6

Using Your Refrigerator
To obtain the best possible results from your refrigerator, it is important that you operate it
properly. This sections tells you how to set the controls, remove and adjust some of the
features in your refrigerator, how to save energy, and how to reverse the door swing.
Setting the controls
Refrigerator control
The Refrigerator Control is in the refrfgera-
tor. When you plug in the refrigerator for the
first time:
l Set the Refrigerator Control to 0 (mid
setting).
Freezer control
The Freezer Control is in the freezer. When
you plug in the refrigerator for the first time:
l Set the Freezer Control haffway between
LESS COLD and MORE COLD.
Economy control
The Economy Control operates electric
heaters around the door openings. These
heaters help keep moisture from forming on
the outside of the refrigerator.
. Use the reduce exterior moisture setting
if moisture forms on cabinet.
l Use the save power setting when humidity
is low.
- _ --~-~..----

Changing the control settings
If you need to adjust the temperature in
either compartment, keep these things in
mind:
l Adjusting the Refrigerator Control or the
Freezer Control changes the temperature
in BOTH compartments.
l Setting the Refrigerator Control to OFF
stops cooling in BOTH compartments.
Adjusting the refrigerator shelves
Adjust the shelves to match the way you use
your refrigerator.
Model RT18DK
To remove shelves:
1. Remove items from shelf.
2. Tilt shelf up at front.
3. Lii back of shelf.
4. Pull shelf straight out.
To replace shelves:
1. Guide the rear shelf hooks into the slots
in the shelf supports on cabinet wall.
2. Tilt shelf up at front until hooks drop into
slots. Lower front of shelf to level position.
Model RTlSEK
To remove the shelves:
1. Remove items from the shelf.
2. Slide shelf straight out to the stop.
3. Lii the front slightly.
4. Slide shelf out the rest of the way.
To replace the shelves:
1. Ffl back of shelf between desired pair of
shelf guides.
2. Lii the front slightly.
3. Slide shelf in until it clears all stops.
4. Lower shelf to level position.
out to the stop, lift the
front, and elide out the rest
of the way.
WITH OUESTIONS OR COMMENTS

Removing the meat drawer and cover
(Model RTISDK only)
Remove the meat drawer and cover for
easier cleaning.
To remove the meat drawer:
1. Slide meat drawer out to the stop.
2. Lift the front slightly.
3. Slide meat drawer out the rest of the way.
4. Replace in reverse order.
To remove the cover:
1. Remove the meat drawer.
2. Tilt front of cover up.
3. Pull cover up and out.
To replace the cover:
1. Fit bottom notches of cover over rear and
center cross bars of shelf.
2. Lower cover into place.
3. Replace the meat drawer.
Lift the front, then
the back.
Pull out to the
stop, lift the front,
and pull again.
Removing the crispers and crisper cover
(Model RTl8DK only)
Use your crispers to store fruit and veg-
etables.
To remove the crispers:
1. Slide crisper out to the stop.
2. Lift the front.
Lift the front, then
the back.
3. Slide out the rest of the way.
4. Replace in reverse order.
To remove the cover:
1. Lift the front, then the back.
2. Pull cover up and out of cabinet.
cover carefully.
To replace the cover:
1. Fit rear cover notches into nubs on rear
of refrigerator walls.
2. Lower front of cover into place.
Pull out to the stop, lift the
front, and pull again.

Using the ice cube trays
If cubes are not used, they may shrink. The
moving cob air starts a slow evaporation.
The longer you store cubes, the smaller
they get.
To remove ice:
1. Hold tray at both ends,
2. Twist slightly.
Using the optional automatic ice maker
If your refrigerator has an automatic ice maker,
or if you plan to add one later (Kit No.
FRKIT94). here are a few things you will want
to know.
l The ON/OFF lever is a wire signal arm.
DOWN to make ice automatically
UP to shut off the ice maker
IMPORTANT: Do not turn on the ice maker
until it is connected to the water supply.
Instructions for Ice maker water supply
hookup are attached to the back of the
refrigerator cabinet.
UP
to 8top
ke maker.
DOWN
to start
ke maker.
l The dial or lever on the side of the ice maker
changes the size of the cubes.
l You may hear water running when the ice
maker is working. You’ll hear ice falling into
the bin. Don’t let these sounds bother you.
l If you remove the ice bin, raise the signal
arm to shut off the ice maker. When you
replace the bin, push it in all the way and
lower the ice maker signal arm to the ON
position.
l Good water quality is important for good ice
quality. Try to avoid connecting the ice maker
to a softened water supply. Water softener
chemicals (such as salt from a malfunction-
ing softener) can damage the ice maker
mold and lead to poor ice quality. If a soft-
ened water supply cannot be avoided, make
sure the water softener is operating properly
and is well maintained. C
WITH QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS
10

Solving common ice maker problems
PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE/SOLUTION
Ice crescents attached
l This is normal. They break apart easily. Shake bin occasion-
at corners
ally to keep cubes separated.
Ice maker will not
l ON/OFF lever is in the OFF (up) position. Lower lever to the
operate or Ice is not
ON (down) position.
made fast enough
l Freezer is not cold enough. Adjust temperature controls and
wait 24 hours. (See “Changing the control settings” on
page a.1
Off-taste or odor In ke
l New plumbing connections can cause discolored or off-
flavored ice. Discard the first few batches of ice.
l Cubes are stored too long. Throw them away and make a
new supply.
l Foods in freezer are not wrapped properly. See “Food
Storage Guide” on pages 19 and 20.
l Freezer and ice bin need to be cleaned. See pages 15
and 16.
Changing the light bulb
Electrkal Shock Hazard
Before removing a light bulb, either
1 unplug the refrigerator or disconnect
the electricity leading to the refrigerator
at the main power supply.
Failure to do so could resuft in electri-
cal shock or personal injury.
To change the refrigerator light:
1. Disconnect refrigerator from power supply.
2. Reach behind Control Panel to bulb.
3. Replace bulb with a 40-watt
appliance bulb.
4. Reconnect refrigerator to power supply.
NOTE: All appliance bulbs will not fit in your
refrigerator. Be sure to replace a bulb with
one of the same size and shape.
11

Understanding the sounds you may hear
Your new refrigerator may make sounds that
your old one didn’t. Because the sounds are
new to you, you might be concerned about
them. Don’t be. Most of the new sounds are
normal. Hard surfaces like the floor, walls,
and cabinets can make the sounds seem
louder.
The following describes the kinds of
sounds that might be new to you, and what
may be making them.
Slight hum, soft hiss
You may hear the refrigerator’s fan motor
and moving air.
Clicking or snapping sounds
The thermostat makes a definite click when
the refrigerator stops running. It also makes
a sound when the refrigerator starts. The
defrost timer will click when the defrost cycle
starts.
Water sounds
When the refrigerator stops running, you
may hear gurgling in the tubing for a few
minutes after it stops. You may also hear
defrost water running into the defrost
water pan.
Ice maker sounds
l trickling water
l thud (clatter of ice)
You may hear buzzing (from the water
valve), trickling water, and the clatter of ice
dumped into the bin.
Running sounds
Your refrigerator has a high-efficiency
compressor and motor. It will run longer than
older designs. It may even seem to run most
of the time.
Saving energy
You can help your refrigerator use less
electricii.
l Check door gaskets for a tight seal. Level
the cabinet to be sure of a good seal.
l Clean the condenser coils regularly.
l Open the door as few times as possible.
Think about what you need before you
open the door. Get everything out at one
time. Keep food organized so you won’t
have to search for what you want. Close
door as rx3n as food is removed.
l Go ahead and till up the refrigerator, but
don’t overcrowd it so air movement is
blocked.
l It is a waste of electricii to set the refrig-
erator and freezer to teqeratures colder
than they need to be. If ice cream is firm in
the freezer and drinks are as cold as your
family likes them, that’s cold enough.
l Make sure your refrigerator is not next to a
heat source such as a range, water heater,
furnace, radiator, or in direct sunlight.
12 WITH QUESTION9 OR COYYENTS

Reversing the door swing
If you wish to reverse the swing of the doors,
follow the steps below.
NOTE: lf removing doors to move refrfgera-
tor through a doon,vay, and not reversing the
door swing, it may not be necessary to
remove the bottom hinge.
To reverse the door swing:
1. Remove the top hinge assembly as
shown. Keep all parts together.
After removing top hinge assembly, lift
freezer door up off center hinge.
2. Remove the center hinge assembly as
shown. Outer most screw is left in place.
Remove door stop from bottom of door.
Keep all parts together.
After removing the center hinge
assembly, lift refrigerator door up off
bottom hinge.
screw- ’ ‘1 1
‘-$Q- Door stop
Washer
Hinge pin
Center hinge
TOOLS REQUIRED:
l PhillipsTM head screwdriver
l Socket wrench set or adjustable wrench
l Putty knife
3. Remove the bottom hinge assembly as
shown. Remove door stop from bottom of
door. Keep all parts together.
Door stop
Washer
SCreW8
Bottom hinge
Bottom hinge
Bolts
4. Remove cabinet screws from the center
hinge holes and reinstall in opposite
side holes.
pin
\
\
.
D
4
13

5. Remove both handle assemblies as
shown. Keep all parts together.
Remove hole plugs from opposite side
of doors. Reinstall handles on new side.
Seal all original holes with hole plugs
from new side.
MODEL RT18DK
w Freezer
handle
II
Refrigerator
handle -
?’
I
M
MODEL RT18EK
6. Using a putty knife, remove the black
plug from the front of the cabinet base
(new hinge side) and reinstall it in the old
set of lower hinge holes.
7. Reinstall the bottom hinge assembly in
the new side. Do not tighten the screws.
The hinge must remain loose against the
cabinet for easier alignment.
6. Lii the refrigerator door up onto the
bottom hinge assembly. Hold door in
place while reinstalling center hinge
assembly.
9. Level refrigerator door while holding door
against front of cabinet. After leveling,
tighten bottom and center hinge screws.
10. Remove screws (or plugs) from the
hinge holes in the top of the cabinet and
reinstall them in the opposite side.
11. Remove plug from upper bearing of
freezer door and reinstall on opposite
side.
r-- /--------I
D
12. Lii freezer door up onto the center
hinge assembly. Reinstall top hinge
assembly while holding door in place.
Do not tighten the screws.
13. Align the doors so they are parallel to
each other. Adjust doors to cabinet so
the gasket seals but does not bind.
14. Tighten all hinge screws.
14
WITH QUE8TIONI OR COMMENTS

Caring for Your Refrigerator
Your refrigerator is built to give you many years of dependable service. However, there are a
few things you can do to help extend its product life. Thii section tells you how to clean your
refrigerator and what to do when going on vacation, moving, or during a power outage.
Cleaning your refrigerator
q
Both the refrigerator and freezer
sections defrost automatically.
However, clean both about once
. a
month to help prevent odors
Personal Injury Hazard
from building up. Wipe up spills Refrigeration system tubes are near the
right away. defrost pan and can hecome hot. Clean
To clean your refrigerator, unplug it, take out defrost pan carefully.
all removable parts, and clean the refrigerator Failure to do so could result in personal
according to the following directions. injury.
PART
Removable parts
(shelves, crisper,
etc.)
outside
WHAT TO USE
Sponge or cloth with mike
detergent and warm
water
Sponge, cloth, or paper
towel with mib detergent,
warm water, and an
appliance wax (or good
auto paste wax)
Inside walls
Sponge, soft cloth, or
(allow freezer to paper towel with baking
warm up so cloth soda or mild detergent
won’t stick) and warm water
HOW TO CLEAN
l Hand wash, &se, and dry
thoroughly.
l Wash outside of cabinet. Do not
use abrasive or harsh cleaners.
l Wipe and dry thoroughly.
l Wax painted metal surfaces at least
twice a year. Apply wax with a
clean, soft cloth. Waxing painted
metal surfaces provides rust
protection.
Do not wax plastic parts.
l Wash with mixture of warm water
and
- mild detergent, or
- baking soda (2 tablespoons
[26 g] to 1 quart [.95 L] of water).
l Wipe and dry thoroughly.
15

PART WHAT TO USE HOW TO CLEAN
Door liners
Sponge, soft cloth,
l Wash, wipe, and dry thoroughly.
and gaskets
or paper towel with
mib detergent and
DO NOT USE cleaning waxes, concen-
warm water
trated detergents, bleaches, or cleaners
containing petroleum on plastic parts.
Plastic parts
Soft, clean sponge
l Wash, rinse or wipe, and dry thoroughly.
(covers and or soft, clean cloth
pane4
with miki detergent
DO NOT USE paper towels, window
and warm water
sprays, scouring cleansers, or flsmmable
fluids. These can scratch or damage
material. See ‘Important Safety Instruc-
tions” on page 3.
Defrost pan
Sponge or cloth
l Roll refrigerator out away from the wall.
(behind refrigera-
tor on top of with mild detergent
l Wash defrost pan. Do not remove defrost
and warm water
compressor)
pan to clean.
l Wipe and dry thoroughly.
I
l Roll refrigerator hack into place.
l Level refriaerator. I
Condenser coils
Vacuum cleaner
l Roll refrigerator out away from the wall.
(on hack of with extended
l Vacuum coils at least once every other
cabinet) narrow month.
attachment
l Roll refrigerator back into place.
l Level refrigerator.
Floor under
refrigerator
Floor cleaners
l Roll refrigerator out only as far as the water
supply line allows.
l Clean floor.
l Roll refrigerator hack into place.
l Check to see if the refrigerator is level.
16
WITH QUESTIONS OR COYYENTS

Vacation and moving care
Long vacations
If you will be gone a month or more:
1. Remove all food from the refrigerator.
2. If your refrigerator has an automatic ice
maker:
l Turn off the water supply to the ice
maker at least one day ahead of time.
l When the last load of ice drops, turn off
the ice maker. Make sure all ice is
dispensed out of the ice maker mecha-
nism.
3. Unplug the refrigerator.
4. Clean it, rinse well, and dry.
5. Tape rubber or wcod blocks to the tops of
both doors to prop them open far enough
for air to get in. This stops odor and mold
from building up.
Personal InJury Hazard
Do not allow children to climb on, play
near, or climb inside the refrigerator
when the doors are blocked open.
They may become injured or trapped.
To restart refrigerator, see ‘Using Your
Refrigerator” on page 7.
Short vacations
No need to shut off the refrigerator if you will
be away for less than four weeks.
1. Use up any perishables.
2. Freeze other items.
3. If your refrigerator has an automatic ice
maker:
l Raise the signal arm to the OFF (up)
position.
l Shut off the water supply to the ice
maker.
l Empty the ice bin.
Moving
When you are moving the refrigerator to a
new home:
1. If your refrigerator has an automatic ice
maker:
l Turn off the water supply to the ice
maker at least one day ahead of time.
l Disconnect the water line.
l After the last load of ice drops, lift the
signal arm to the OFF (up) position.
2. Remove all focd from the refrigerator.
3. Pack all frozen food in dry ice.
4. Unplug the refrigerator.
5. Clean it thoroughly. Rinse well and dry.
6. Take out all removable parts, wrap them
well, and tape them together so they don’t
shift and rattle.
7. Screw in the leveling rollers.
6. Tape the doors shut and tape the power
supply cord to the cabinet.
When you get to your new home, put
everything back and refer to page 5. Also, if
your refrigerator has an automatic ice
maker, remember to reconnect the water
supply line.
17

Power interruptions
If ebctricii goes off, call the power com-
pany. Ask how long power will he off.
1. If service will he interrupted 24 hours or
less, keep both doors closed. This
helps foods stay frozen.
2. If service will he interrupted longer than
24 hours:
(a) Remove all frozen food and store in a
frozen food locker.
OR
(b) Place 2 Ihs. (0.9 kg) of dry be in
freezer for every cubic foot of freezer
space. Thii will keep food frozen for 2
to 4 days. Wear gloves to protect your
hands from dry be bums.
OR
(c) If neither a food locker or dry be is
available, use or can perishable
food at once.
18
3. A full freezer stays cold longer than a
partly filled one. A freezer full of meat
stays cob longer than a freezer full of
baked goods. lf food contains be crystals,
it may he safely refrozen, although the
quality and flavor may he affected. If the
condition of the food is poor, or if you feel
it is unsafe, dispose of it.
Questions ?
Call our toll-free number, 1-80944-ROPER.
WITH QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS

Food Storage Guide
There is a correct way to package and store refrigerated or frozen food. To keep food fresher,
longer, take the time to study these recommended steps.
Storing fresh food
Wrap or store food in the refrigerator in air-
tight and moisture-proof material. This
prevents food odor and taste transfer
throughout the refrigerator. For dated
products, check code date to ensure fresh-
ness.
Leafy vegetables
Remove store wrapping and trim or tear off
bruised and discolored areas. Wash in cob
water and drain. Place in plastic hag or
plastic container and store in crisper.
Vegetables with skins
(carrots. peppers)
Store in crisper, plastic hags, or plastic
container.
Fruit
Wash, let dry, and store in refrigerator in
plastic hags or crisper. Do not wash or hull
berries until they are ready to use. Sort and
keep berries in their original container in a
crisper, or store in a loosely cbsed paper
hag on a refrigerator shelf.
E119s
Store without washing in the original carton
on interior shelf.
Milk
wipe milk cartons. For best storage, place
milk on interior shelf.
Butter or margarine
Keep opened butter in covered dish or
closed compartment.. When storing an extra
supply, wrap in freezer packaging and
freeze.
Cheese
Store in the original wrapping until you are
ready to use it. Once opened, rewrap tightly
in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Leftovers
Cover leftovers with plastic wrap or alumi-
num foil. Plastic containers with tight lids can
also he used.
Meat
Store most meat in original wrapping as long
as it is airtight and moisture-proof. Rewrap if
necessary. See the following chart for
storage times.
APPROXIMATE TIME
(DAYS) I
IChicken 1 to2 I
Ground beef 1 to2 I
Steaks and roasts
Cured meats 3 to 5
7to10
+When storing meat longer than the times
given, follow the directions for freezing.
NOTE: Use fresh fish and shellfish the same
day as purchased.
19

Storing frozen food
The freezer section is designed for storage
of commercially frozen food and for freezing
food at home.
NOTE: For further information about prepar-
ing food for freezing or food storage times,
contact your local Cooperative Extension
Service or check a freezer guide or reliable
cookbook.
Packaging
The secret of successful freezing is in the
packaging. The way you close and seal the
package must not allow air or moisture in or
out. Packaging done in any other way could
cause food odor and taste transfer through-
out the refrigerator and drying of frozen
food.
Packaglng recommended for use:
l Rigid plastic containers with tight-fitting lids
l Straight-sided canning/freezing jars
l Heavy-duty aluminum foil
l Plasticcoated paper
l Non-permeable plastic wraps (made from
a Saran film)
Follow package or container instructions for
proper freezing methods.
Do not use:
l Bread wrappers
l Non-polyethylene plastic containers
l Containers without tight lids
l Waxpaper
l Wax-coated freezer wrap
l Thin, semi-permeable wrap
The use of these wrappings couM cause
food odor, taste transfer, and drying of
frozen food.
Freezing
Do not expect your freezer to quick-freeze
any large quantity of food. Put no more
unfrozen food into the freezer than will
freeze within 24 hours (no more than 2 to
3 pounds of food per cubic foot of freezer
space). Leave enough space for air to
circulate around packages. Be careful to
leave enough room at the front so the door
can close tightly.
Storage times will vary according to the
quality of the food, the type of packaging or
wrap used (airtight and moisture-proof), and
the storage temperature, which should be
0°F (-17B°C).
20
WITH OUESTIONS OR COMMENTS